Paint brush protective cover and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush has a body member having a hollow interior section. The body member has a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section. A plurality of openings are located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover. A central opening is formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to paint brushes and, more specifically, to a highly durable paint brush protective cover that protects the bristles of paint brushes from being damaged during storage or nonuse thereby extending the life of the paint brush.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] In the professional industry of painting, painters rely on expensive paint brushes as an industry of the trade. Professional painters desire excellent coverage from their paint brush, durability from their paint brush, greater efficiency in production, precise lines, proven results for smooth finishes and a lack of bristles or filaments left behind from the paint brush. When a paint brush no longer fulfills the above expectations of the painter, the paint brush will be discarded and a new paint brush is purchased to replace the old paint brush.

[0005] After a paint brush is used, the painter must clean the brush in an appropriate solution to remove all of the remaining paint that is still on the paint brush. After the paint brush has been cleaned, sometimes the bristles tend to separate and fray off in nonuniform directions. This becomes a problem when the painter needs to use the paint brush again since the edges of the brush are not uniformly aligned. If the bristles are aligned properly, the painter has control over the paint when painting around tight corners and can obtain an even distribution of paint onto a surface. However, when the bristles are not aligned properly, when the painter tries to paint on tight corners or tries to get an even distribution of paint onto a surface, the out of aligned bristles tend to scatter the paint and produce substandard results.

[0006] Generally, after painters clean their paint brushes with a cleaning solution, painters will store their paint brushes in the covers that the brushes were sold in or with no cover at all. Generally, the covers that the paint brushes are sold in are rather flimsy and easily tear. Thus, these types of covers do not last very long. If no protective cover is used, dust and other particles generally stick and become imbedded inside the bristles. Thus, when the brush is used to paint again, these particles will collect on the paint producing a nonuniform streaks of paint during use.

[0007] One prior art solution to covering paint brushes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,453 (hereinafter '453 patent). The '453 patent discloses a paint brush protective cover. The paint brush protective cover comprising a flexible cover and a hard cover. The flexible cover further comprising a plurality of flaps that are wrapped around the bristles of the paint brush and secured together. The flexible cover further comprising a plurality of vent openings and a handle opening to allow a paint brush handle to be inserted therein. After the flexible cover is installed over the bristles of the paint brush, a hard cover is slipped over the flexible cover and locked in place by a top lid to complete the task.

[0008] The problem with the prior art paint brush cover is that it is too complex and expensive to use. First, the '453 patent requires a flexible cover to be wrapped around the paint brush. The flexible cover requires that the bristles be wrapped up similar to wrapping a present up. The flexible cover does not have any type of locking means to secure the flexible cover. Thus, the flexible cover can not be used alone to securely hold the bristles in proper alignment. Second, the '453 patent requires the use a second hard cover. The paint brush must first be wrapped in the flexible cover, then the brush and the flexible cover are inserted into the hard cover. The use of two covers is too complex and expensive to use. Furthermore, the use of two covers requires too much time. Professional painter prefer a simpler and easier to use protective cover than the one disclosed in the '453 patent.

[0009] Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved paint brush protective cover. The improved paint brush cover must be simple to use. The improved brush cover must allow one to easily close and secure a paint brush within the paint brush cover. The improved paint brush cover must further be durable. The improved paint brush cover must also be inexpensive for the end user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved paint brush protective cover.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved paint brush cover that is simple to use.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved brush cover that allows one to easily close and secure a paint brush within the paint brush cover.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved paint brush cover that is durable.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved paint brush cover that is inexpensive for the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush is disclosed. The paint brush cover has a body member having a hollow interior section. The body member has a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section. A plurality of openings are located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover. A central opening is formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush is disclosed. The paint brush cover has a body member having a hollow interior section. The body member has a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section. A plurality of openings are located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover. A central opening is formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover. A locking mechanism is coupled to the first section and the second section for securing the first section to the second section. The locking mechanism has a first tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small notches formed thereon. A second tab member is coupled to the body member and has a plurality of small ridge members. The small ridge members will slide into the small notches of the first tab member securing the first side of the body member to the second side of the body member.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019]FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of the paint brush cover of the present invention in a closed position covering the bristles of a paint brush.

[0020]FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the paint brush cover of the present invention in an open position.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a side view of the paint brush cover of the present invention, the opposite side being a mirror image thereof.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a top view of the paint brush cover of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism used in the paint brush cover of the present invention taken along lines 5-5 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] Referring to the FIGS. 1-5, a paint brush cover 10 (hereinafter cover 10) is shown. The paint brush cover 10 is comprised of a single body member 12. The body member 12 is made from a semi-rigid material such as a semi-hard plastic. The semi-rigid material will allow the cover 10 to be more durable. Thus, the cover 10 will last longer than prior art paint brush covers.

[0025] The body section 12 is rectangular in shape. The body member 12 may be slightly tapered such that the bottom section of the body member 12 is slightly wider than the top section. The slight taper is due to the fact that the lower end of the paint brush 11 is slightly wider than the section of the paint brush 11 near the top end of the bristles. The slight taper of the body member 12 will further allow the cover 10 to more securely hold and align the bristles of the paint brush 11.

[0026] One may open the body member 12 to expose a hollow interior section 14. The interior section 14 is where the bristles of the paint brush will be stored. A first side 16 of the body member 12 is permanent coupled together. A second side 18 of the body member 12 is removably coupled together. Thus, by opening the second side 18, one will expose the hollow interior section 14. By opening the body section 12, one can easily position the bristles of the paint brush 11 within the cover 10.

[0027] The front and rear surfaces of the body section 12 will have a plurality of small openings 20. The openings 20 will allow air to circulate within the cover 10. The air will allow the bristles of the paint brush 11 to dry more quickly after being cleaned. The air circulation will further prevent mold and mildew from forming inside the cover 12 since the air circulation will allow the bristles to completely dry after being cleaned.

[0028] A plurality of small openings 22 are formed on the top and side sections of the body member 12. The openings 22 are also used to allow the bristles of the paint brush to dry more quickly after being cleaned. The openings 22 are formed in the following manner. Each half of the body member 12 (i.e., first side 16 and second side 18) will have a plurality of semi-circular cut-outs located along the top section and the side sections. Thus, when the first side 16 and the second side 18 are coupled together, the semi-circular cut outs on each half of the body section 12 will align with each other to form the openings 22.

[0029] On the bottom section of the body member 12, a larger opening 24 is formed. The opening 24 is formed in a similar manner as the openings 22. Each half of the body member 12 (i.e., first side 16 and second side 18) will have a semi-circular cut-out located along the a central area of the bottom section of the body member 12. Thus, when the first side 16 and the second side 18 are coupled together, the semi-circular cut out on each half of the bottom section of the body member 12 will align with each other to form the opening 24. The opening 24 is used to allow the handle 11A of the paint brush 11 to protrude out of the cover 10.

[0030] The cover 10 has a locking mechanism 26 located on the second side 18 of the cover 10. The locking mechanism 26 will lock the body member 12 together in order to securely hold the paint brush 11 in the cover 10. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the locking member 12 is comprised of a first tab member 28 and a second tab member 30. The first tab member 28 will have a plurality of small notches 32 formed therein. The second tab member 30 will have a plurality of small ridge members 34. The small ridge members 34 will slide into the notches 32 securing the first side 16 to the second side 18.

[0031] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush comprising: a body member having a hollow interior section, the body member having a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section; a plurality of openings located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover; and a central opening formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover.
 2. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the first section and the second section for securing the first section to the second section.
 3. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small notches formed thereon; and a second tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small ridge members wherein the small ridge members will slide into the small notches of the first tab member securing the first side of the body member to the second side of the body member.
 4. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a front surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 5. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a rear surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 6. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a top and side surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 7. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 wherein the body member is rectangular in shape.
 8. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 1 wherein the body member is tapered to have a wider bottom section than a top section to more securely hold and align the bristles of the paint brush in the cover.
 9. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush comprising: a body member having a hollow interior section, the body member having a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section; a plurality of openings located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover; a central opening formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover; and a locking mechanism coupled to the first section and the second section for securing the first section to the second section wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small notches formed thereon; and a second tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small ridge members wherein the small ridge members will slide into the small notches of the first tab member securing the first side of the body member to the second side of the body member.
 10. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a front surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 11. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a rear surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 12. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a top and side surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 13. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 9 wherein the body member is rectangular in shape.
 14. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 9 wherein the body member is tapered to have a wider bottom section than a top section to more securely hold and align the bristles of the paint brush in the cover.
 15. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush comprising: a rectangular body member having a hollow interior section, the body member having a first section and a second section wherein a first side of the first section is permanently coupled to a first side of the second section and a second side of the first section being removably coupled to a second side of the second section, wherein the body member is tapered to have a wider bottom section than a top section to more securely hold and align the bristles of the paint brush in the cover; a plurality of openings located on the body member for allowing air to circulate within the cover; a central opening formed on a bottom surface of the body member for allowing a handle of the paint brush to protrude out of the cover; and a locking mechanism coupled to the first section and the second section for securing the first section to the second section wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a first tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small notches formed thereon; and a second tab member coupled to the body member and having a plurality of small ridge members wherein the small ridge members will slide into the small notches of the first tab member securing the first side of the body member to the second side of the body member.
 16. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 15 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a front surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 17. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 15 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a rear surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover.
 18. A paint brush cover for protecting a plurality of bristles of a paint brush in accordance with claim 15 wherein the plurality of openings are formed on a top and side surface of the body member to allow air to circulate within the cover. 